





s^-^^. 










BLONDEL: 



A HISTORIC FANCY 



IN TWO ACTS. 



GEO. EDWARD RICE, 

AUTHOR OF "AV OLD PLAT IN A NEW GARB," " MTRTILLA," ETC., ETC. 



'\^ 



Good Sir, reject it not, although it bring 
Appearances of some fantastic thing 
At first Unfolding. 

George Withbe. 

If thou be a severe, sour-complexioned man, then I here disallow thee to be 
a competent judge.' 

IzAAK Walton. 

Mj- words, idle as thou mayst deem them, will never stupefy the intellect, 
nor harden the heart, nor besot the conscience lilte an opiate drug. 

EOBERT SODTHBT. 



BOSTON: 

TICKNOR, REED & FIELDS 

M DCCC LIV. 




^^^s^ 

,-RA-^-^ 



Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1854, 

By GEO. EDWARD KICE, 

in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of tlie District of Massachusetts. 



STACr AND RICHARDSON, PRINTERS, BOSTON. 



PREFACE. 



The Writer trusts tliat his strict adlierence to facts, 
and careful avoidance of anachronisms, in the following 
Play, will be truly gratifying to all lovers of historic 
accuracy. 

Boston, March 1, 1854. 



PERSONS REPRESENTED. 



EiCHAKD I, sometime King of England, commonly called Cceur 
DE Lion, — " good at a feast, but better at a fray." 

Blondel, a Troubadour, Eichard's favorite. 

Peince John, Richard's unfraternal fraternal relative, who as- 
sumes the helm while Richard is crusading in Palestine. 

Robin Hood, afterwards Earl of Huntingdon, a Sherwood Por- 

ester, not unknown to fame. 
Priar Tuck, Clerk of Copmanhurst, and a Porester. 
Will Scarlet, another Porester. 
Little John, another Porester. 

The Maid Marian, Barmaid of the " Jolly Mermaid." 

The Prau Himmelmann, Landlady of the " 3aiD=iiraftcn ?t^au2." 

Other Poresters, names unknown. 

A few of Prince John's friends, not worth naming. 

Two Ruffians. 

Cabby, Penny-Postman, Attendants, &c 



COSTUMES. 

Richard L — Complete suit of Armor. 

Blondel. — Troubadour dress of the period. 

Robin Hood and Band. — Shooting Jackets of Lincoln green. 

The rest of the Characters in the extreme of the present fasliion. 

Period— A.T>. 1193-4. 



BLONDEL. 



ACT I 

SCENE I. 



Interior of the ^^ Jolly Mermaid,'^ a roadside Inn, near 
Sherwood Forest. The Barmaid Marian discovered 
arranging the Room, and occasionally obtaining a 
glimpse of her own pretty face in the glass. 

Marian. It 's very odd that Blondel has n't come ; 
I wonder now if he 's unwell, at home. 
I wo n't think that, or I shall surely cry ; 
None ever loved him half as well as I. 
I recollect the first time that I saw him, 
He seemed so grand, I could n't but adore him. 
'T was on a gala day, some weeks before 
King Richard started off to join the war 
In Palestine, when I and my mamma 
Went to the Races, in a low-backed car. 

SONG. 

Air — The Low-bached Car. 

When first I saw my lover, 

'T was on a gala day, — 
A sorrel horse he rode, and sat 

In such a graceful way ; 
1* 



6 BLONDEL. [^Act I. 

And when the Lords and Ladies fair 
All clustered round the King, 
No gallant there 
That could compare 
"With the charming lad I sing. 
Then he called for his gilt guitar, 
And sang about love and war. 
And there was n't an eye 
In the crowd that was dry. 
As he played on his gilt guitar. 

I felt a strong commotion 

"Within my maiden breast, 
Aud heaved a sigh, and wiped my eye, 

And tried to look my best. 
Then he — so gallant, brave, and proud — 
Left all those ladies gay, 

And through the crowd, 
"Who cheered aloud. 
To me betook his way. 
And said, " It 's a dear that you are, — 
You 're the prettiest girl here, by far. 
And I love your sweet face. 
And your exquisite grace, 
Though you 've come in a low-backed car." 

I do so wish he 'd come ; how I 'd rejoice 
To see once more the fellow of my choice ! 

\^A knocking is heard. 

Blondel. (outside.) "What ho ! Within there ! 

Mar. That 's his own sweet voice ! 

Enter Blondel, looking melancholy. 
Oh ! I 'm so glad to see you ! How d'ye do ? 
But, tell me, what's the matter? — you look blue. 



Scene 1.] blondel. 7 

Blond. I 'm grieved to think that I must part from you. 

3Iar. What! leave your little Marian? — I doubt it! 

Blond. 'T is true, my love ; I '11 tell you all about it. 

Mar. Oh ! Blondel, catch me ! — I am fainting. Oh ! 
\_Faints, and falls into Blondel's arms ; he hisses her 

" avec empressement,'' which revives her instaiitly.'] 
You ought to be ashamed ! 

Blond. I ought, I know ; 

But if young maids, with your surpassing charms, 
"Will throw themselves into a young man's arms, 
"What can a young man do ? Do n't cut up rough ! 

[_Kisses her again. 

Mar. Do let me go ! You 've kissed me quite enough. 

Blond. Say you '11 forgive me, and I '11 let you go. 
Do n't make a breeze ! 

Mar. It's quite a shocking blow ; 

You 've quite destroyed my confidence in men. 

Blond. That makes it bad ; I wo n't do so again, 

\_Kisses her again, and lets her go. 

Mar. Oh ! goodness gracious, me ! Well, if I ever — 

Blond. No ; on the whole, I rather think you never ! 
But, come, — I want to tell you where I 'm going. 

3Iar. And when do you return ? 

Blond. Ah ! there 's no knowing ; 

My journey 's dangerous, and I may die, 
Or get rapped o'er the sconce. 

Mar. Oh, dear! Oh, my ! 

Blond. But if I 'm fortunate, the first of May 
Shall see me back again. 

Mar. I hope, and pray. 

Blond. Now, listen : Richard, who 's our own great 
King, 
Left Palestine a year ago last Spring, 



8 BLONDEL. ^Act I. 

For England — so I 'm told. — 

Mar, « And when last seen, 

Had on plaid trousers and a coat of green. 

Blond. Do n't interrupt ! It 's now almost two years : 
Nothing 's been heard from him, and I have fears 
That he 's been caught somewhere, and put in prison. 

Mar. Who would have prigged a king as was n't his 'n ! 

Blond. This chivalry's a hum. — There's many a 
knight 
Blacker at heart than any night I write 
Without a K. Now, some of these, perhaps, 
Colloguing with some other knavish chaps. 
May have waylaid him, to extort a ransom. 

Mar. Such conduct, certainly, we can't call handsome ! 

Blond. Him and his suite they must have much 
outnumbered. 
Or else have popped upon him while he slumbered. 
He 's something in a row ; when he hits out 
He can treat quite a party to a rout. 
Now, I think John, who has assumed command, 
To be the greatest spooney in the land. 
He does n't rule the Nation as he ought. 
And nothing 's done as formerly, at court ; 
Since he has held the reins he 's never said. 
When driving his green cab and thorough-bred, 
" Blondel, my boy, jump in and take a ride. 
You '11 find a comfortable seat inside." 
Or, " Come and take your chop with me, to-day. 
And when we 've dined, we '11 go to see the Play ;" 
Or, " Drop in, sociably, and get your tea." 

Mar. You know you 'd rather come here, to see me. 
Blond. That's very true, but then that 's not the thing : 
One likes to be on good terms with one's King. 



Scene 1.] blondel, 9 

Mar. Blow John ! 

Blond. I can 't — he 's not a trump ; but when 

Our true King comes, I think we '11 see what, then. 
John slights me thus, because I 'm Richard's favorite. 

Mar. The time may come when he will have to pay 
for it ! 

Blond. Early to-morrow the subscriber starts, 
To visit more than several foreign parts. 
And wo n't return 'till he can tidings bring 
Of Richard, Coeur de Lion, the true King. 
I trust I 've broke it to you very gently, — 
I 'm for the Continent, incontinently. 

SONG. 

Air — Jeannette and Jeannot. 
Mar. — 

You are going far away, far away from your sweet pet, 

And all the tender things you 've said, I fear me you '11 

forget ; 
But Marian's affection shall protect you, while away. 
And bring you back to England safe, before the first of 

May. 

With your scarf across your shoulder, and guitar upon 

your side. 
You may fascinate some lady, who will wish to be your 

bride ; 
I 'm getting more than half afraid to trust you off so far. 
For I know they can 't help seeing what a charming 

dog you are. 

When admired by the women, and when envied by the 

men. 
The friends who love you here, at home, will you 

remember then ? — 



10 BLONDEL. lAct J. 

And think often, with affection, though far apart we are, 
Of the " Jolly Mermaid " tavern, and the girl who tends 
the bar ? 

If you should find King Richard, and should aid him — 
then no more 

Would you be simple Blondel, the gay, careless Trou- 
badour, 

But a Marquis, at the least, with a garter on your knee, 

And might not feel disposed to make a Marchioness of me. 

Blond. Of course, I'd rather stay with you, my beauty, 
But love, you know, must sometimes yield to duty ; 
So, do n't look mournful, and I '11 sing a new 
And charmhig song, I 've just composed for you. 

Mar. That 's very kind of you. Now, sing ; I'll hear. 

Blond. \^to Leader of the Orchestra.'] Just play " Row 
gently, here, my Gondolier." 

Leader of Orchestra. I'll play it, if you wish, — but 
that a 'n't new ! 

Blond. Well, I should like to know, now, who asked you 
For your opinion ? You just scrape away, — 
Do n't interrupt the progress of the Play ! 

SONG. 

Air — Row gently^ here, mi/ Gondolier. 

My angel, dear. 

Restrain that tear, 
Though grieved that I should go, — 

And smile, to cheer 

My path so drear. 
O'er countries I do n't know. 



Scene 1.] blondel. H 

Fair girls may 'broider 'kerchiefs rare, 

And send their gifts to me. 
But I '11 swear the fairest of the fair 

Sha n't win my heart from thee. 

Then think, my dear, 
My love sincere, 
Though far away I go, 
To seek King Dick, 
That regular " brick," — 
The jolliest one I know ; 
And if 't is fated we shall meet, 

That I my King shall see, 
I '11 volunteer to stand the treat, 
And merry we both will be. 

Mar. May all the skies above you be serene ; 
And tell me, [theatrically, and in the manner of the most 

approved representative of the ^^ Lady of Lyons"'] 
" Who can love thee like Pauline ? " 

Blond. Oh, ho ! I think you 've been to see a play ; 
"Who 's been attentive, since I 've been away ? 
Has Robin Hood, the wild, erratic " creetur," 
Been taking you to visit any Theatre ? 

Mar. No ! — but I asked him to. 

Blond. And what said he ? 

Mar. [imitating Rohin Hood's ^nanner.] " Visit the 
Theatre ! No ! I 'd rather be 
Beneath the shadow of the greenwood tree." 

Blond. Did he flare up like that ? — I want to know. 

Mar. Robin 's a nice man, but he 's not a beau. 

Blond. From all I 've heard, I 've been led to suppose 
He ranked A, No. 1, among the bows. 



12 BLONDEL. ^Aci I. 

Mar. In your wit's quiver have you more sueli arrows ? 

Blond. Yes ; why ? 

Mar. Then go expend them on the sparrows ; 

Such ammunition 's fit for such small game. 

Blond. Do n't be severe. 

Mar. I 'm just. 

Blond. That 's all the same. 

But, tell me — what know you about Pauline ? 

Mar. Well, many friends of mine have been and seen 
A Play — and since, they 've all been talking 
Most sentimentally. 

Blond. That 's very shocking. 

Mar. They speak of palaces, with spacious halls, 
" Lifting t' eternal Summer marble walls," 
And seem determined that they'll " have no friends 
Who are not lovers." Happiness depends. 
With them, just now, on never " having books 
That do not treat of love ;" and each one looks 
For looking well by " lamps of alabaster." 
What will relieve them ? 

Blond. Try a mustard plaster. 

And, Marian, do n't you listen to such stuff; 
Now, let 's be serious. 

Mar. . I'll try. 

Blond. Enough ! 

I told you the idea engrossed my mind. 
That Richard in some fortress is confined. 

Mar. What will you do ? — I pray you, tell me, now, 
If some false-hearted knights, no matter how, 
Have put your King in check ? 

Blond. I '11 take their castle. 

Mar. Spoke like a faithful and true-hearted vassal ! 



Scene 1.] blondel. tS 

Blond. My dear ! 

Mar. What is it ? 

Blond. "Wo n't you faint again, 

Just to oblige me ? 

Mar. If I should, what then ? 

Blond. Nothing particular ; but no one 's nigh, 
I thought it might be a good chance to try 
The remedy that seemed so efficacious. 

Mar. Now, Blondel, you are really too audacious ! 

[ Trumpet sounds without. 

Blond. That 's Robin Hood — I know his silVer clarion. 
\_Seizes Marian and hisses her ; she takes it kindly.'] 

Mar. Good bye ! — and do n't forget me. 

Blond. Good bye ! Marian. [Exit, 

Mar. Oh, goodness gracious ! the dear fellow's gone ! 
And if I had the time, how I 'd take on. 
But here comes Robin Hood, with all his band, — 

[^Places her hand on her heart.] 
So, lie still, little flutterer, I command. 

Enter Robin Hood, Friar Tuck, Will Scarlet, 
Little John, and others of the hand of Foresters. 
They ivalk about the Boom promiscuously. Robin 
Hood points to a howl on the table. 

EobinHood. What's that? 

Mar. A bowl of curds I made, to-day. 

Eohin H. Well, take your curds — they're rather in 
the way. 
[Marian removes the bowl of cur ds^ and places decanters 

and glasses.] 
Let 's drink a bumper to the pretty bar-maid, 
Presiding Goddess to the " Jolly Mermaid." 
\^The Foresters drink.] 
2 



14 BLONDEL. l^Act 1, 

Mar. "With praise from such good judges I 'm con- 
tented. 

Robin H. You ought to feel most highly complimented. 

Will S. What shall we do, now we have had our 
drink ? 

Little J, Eeally, I hardly know, — but let me think. 
[^Assumes a pensive attitude.'] 

Robin H. Your head will ache, if you think hard or 
long. 

Little J. I 've got it. 

Robin H, What ? 

Little J, The Clerk shall sing a song. 

Robin H. Go it, old Friar ! We 've no time to lose. 

Friar T. What shall I sing ? 

Robin H. Just anything you choose. 

SONG. 

AiK — I am a Friar of orders Gray. 
Friar T.— 

I am a Friar who 's rather gay. 

So here in the valley I make my stay ; 

Without a license I hunt the deer. 

And I live on the very best of good cheer. 

I would n't exchange my situation 

For that of the biggest " bug " in the nation ; 

The man who has an abundant store, 

Of all that he wants, can want nothing more. 

\ No Baron or 'Squire, 

Or Knight of the Shire, 

Enjoys himself like the Sherwood Friar. 

I fear not the censure of Church or King, 
But quaff the brown ale, and right merrily sing. 



Scene 1.] blondel. 15 

I frolic and sport 'neath the greenwood tree, 
With this most respectable company ; 
The Foresters like the song of the lark 
Not half so well as the song of the Clerk, — 
And if you enquire, you '11 find they 'd rather 
Lose any one else than their holy Father. 

No Baron or 'Squire, 

Or Knight of the Shire, 
Enjoys himself like the Sherwood Friar. 

RoUn H. That ^s very true, — we can \ afford to lose 
you, 
Although we sometimes rally and abuse you ; 
One holy man we must have in the party. 

Friar T. Your compliment seems both sincere and 
hearty. 

Rohln H. Who earned the palm to-day ? 

Will S, Old Friar Tuck,— 

He shot the biggest deer. 

Robin H. The fine old buck ! 

Now, tell me what there is oT news, to-day. 

Will S. I met the Troubadour upon his way 
To town, just now. He told me he should sail • 
To-morrow morn — unless the wind should fail — 
To seek King Richard ; but I will refer 
To Marian. 

Robin H. He 's rather sweet on her. 
Does Blondel start on such a wild-goose chase ? 

Mar. I 'd do the same, if I were in his place. 
When Richard 's here, then Blondel goes to Court, 
But John do n't ask him to the royal sport. 

Robin H. It must be dull, for such a shining blade. 
If he can 't go to Court, as you 've just said. 



16 BLONDEL. l_Act L 

Will S. And so he comes to court the " Mermaid's '* 
maid. 

Mar» You should blush, Scarlet, for that wretched 
joke. 

RoUn H. Come, boys, we trifle time; dinner's 
bespoke. 
I 'm sorry, Marian, to be so hasty, 
But if we 're late, they '11 spoil the venison pasty. 
I hope your friend will get on Richard's track, 
And having rescued him, will bring him back. 
Blondel 's a gallant fellow, and I love him. 

Mar. I do n't know any one I rank above him. 

Will S. "We hope that naught will happen to his ship. 

Mar. He '11 be successful, though he makes a trip. 

Robin H. Let 's have a song, and go. 

Will S. Suppose we do it. 

Rohin H. Clerk ! give us something with a chorus to it. 

SONG. 

Air— O^c? Uncle Ned. 
Friar T.— 

A fine, brave fellow, is bold Robin Hood, 

That we knew long ago, long ago, — 
He has no peer in the merry green wood, 
For none is so good with the bow. 

( Chorus.) Take up the arrow and the bow, oh, oh. 
The use of such weapons we all know, — 
And we '11 shoot the deer that are in the 

forest here, 
'Till away we are all forced to go. 

No deer can escape in thicket or in brake, 
He has such an eye them to see, — 



Scene 1.] blondel. 17 

He pulls up his bow, just a little aim to take, 
And venison the deer 's sure to be. 

( Chorus.) Take up the arrow and the bow, &c. 



Oh, if he should depart, we 'd feel mighty bad, 
And none in the forest could reign, — 

We know he 's the best of Captains to be had, 
"We sha n't find the likes of him again. 

( Chorus.) Take up the arrow and the bow, &c. 

Robin H. That I '11 desert this company do n't fear, 
While Sherwood Forest holds a single deer, 
And she, the dearest of the dear, lives here. 

Will S. That sentiment, you see, we '11 all applaud. 

Mar. Applaud out loud, ye men who are out-lawed. 

Robin IT. Come, Mr. Scarlet, you 're a foolish man, sir, 
To think to find the maid without her answer. 
Let 's go ! 

Will S. (to 3Iar.) We leave you with an unfeigned 
sorrow. 

3far. Oh, I do n't doubt it ; call again, to-morrow. 

Will S. We '11 bring our work, and pass the afternoon. 

3Iar. So do. [^JSxeunt the Foresters. — Marian comes 
down the stage.'] Now, Mr. Leader, if you '11 play a tune. 

SONG. 

Air — The Girl I left behind me. 

Oh ! fond and faithful to the last 

Shall Blondel ever find me. 
And I '11 consent, whene'er he asks 

In Hymen's chains to bind me. 

2* 



18 BLONDEL. [_Act L 

To waft him safe I 'd tell tlie winds, 
Could I but think they 'd mind me, — 

But as they wo n't obey young girls. 
To fate I must resigned be. 

Now, as it 's time to close this Scene, 

I '11 leave you all behind me, 
But somewhere in the second Act, ^ 

If you '11 look sharp, you '11 find me. 

[_ExiU 

SCENE II. 

Exterior of the Castle of Hagenau. — Time, midnight. 

Enter Blond el, with his Guitar, 

Blond. O'er half of Europe have I tramped in vain, 
And sung by every castle that sweet strain 
Richard composed, when he began to reign, — 
For to my mind it seemed much more than plain 
That, if he heard it, he could not refrain 
From joining in the song, — then I should gain 
A knowledge of his whereabouts. All 's vain ! 

\_Loolcs up at the Fortress."] 
Here is another ; I '11 try once, again. 

SONG. I 

Air — Stop dat hnocTcing at de door. 

I 've been, for some months, on a very dismal spree, — 
A king I 'm acquainted with, I 've tried in vain to see ; 
If he is in the Castle, and has n't gone to bed, 
I hope that at the window he '11 show his royal head. 



Scene 2.] blondel. 19 

[King Richard appears at a windoiu of the Castle, 
clad in complete armor, and sings ;] 

King R. Oh ! who 's that, a-singhig at my door ? 

Blond. 'T is I, who is at your prison door. 

King R. Who is the scoundrel ? 

Blond, Do n't you know Blondel ? 

75 .7 It is ") he who is at your 7 . ^ 

Both. T -f f \ prison door. 

Blond. I've found you, then, at last, my great crusader. 

King E. Yes, little Siren. 

Blond. I 'm a Siren-ader, 

With light guitar hut with a heavy heart ; 
I 've wandered, singing, over quite a part 
Of this vast continent. 

King B. What is the news ? 

Blond. I 've lots to tell you ! 

King R. Now ? 

Blond. Whene'er you choose. 

King R. You may commence at once. How 's the 
old lady ? 

Blond. For sometime back, she 's kept herself quite 
shady. 
The way she treated Rosamond leaked out. 
And since that time she 's not been much about. 

King R. That was unfortunate. How's brother John ? 

Blond. You 've no idea how he 's been going on ! 
And every Briton wants you back again, 
To put a check to his unbridled reign. 

King R. How is the royal crown ?, 

Blond. It 's been much tarnished 

Since John assumed it. 

King R. Then I '11 have it varnished ! 



20 BLONDEL. [^Act I. 

Blond. The crown a'n't worth a shilling. 

King R. How 's the City ? 

Blond. Going to what's its name ! 

King R. That is a pity ! 

Blond. We want reforms. We have n't half enough 
Of gas and water ; other household stuff 
Is very dear. Coal 's most uncommon high. 
You must put down provisions. 

King R. I would try, 

Could I but get some now. 

Blond. And what is more — 

We want a Theatre, with a decent " corps." 

King R. But, tell me — wo n't the Puritans say No, 
to it? 

Blond. Call it a Something-eum, and they '11 go to it. 
We want a city railway. 

King R. Do you, though ? 

Blond. You '11 find the travelling extremely slow ; 
The streets are very crowded. 

King R, If you please, 

I '11 hear the rest when we are more at ease. 

Blond. I 've come to rescue you. 

King R. I wish I had a 

Long flight of steps. 

Blond. I 've brought you a rope-ladder. 

\Throws the end of a rope-ladder to King Richard, 

who makes it fast."] 

King R. Blondel ? 

Blond. What is it ? 

King R. Look sharp ! my dear fellow, 

And see if you can catch my " umbereller." 
\_He throws his umbrella down to Blondel, and then 

disappears from the window.'] 



Scene 2.] blondel. 21 

Blond. Let me entreat your Highness not to lag. 

KingR. (tcitkm.) I 'm only packing up my carpet-bag. 
[^Appears at the windoiv and throws down his carpet-bag"] 

Blond. That shabby bag — I recognise it well ! 
With your initials, marked " E. C. de L." 
[King R. descends half-way down the ladder, and then 

stops suddenly,'] 

King R. Blondel ! 

Blond. "What is it now ? 

Ki7ig R. I must go back, — 

I 've left my boot-jack ! 

Blond. Oh, confound the jack ! 

"We '11 have the sentinels upon our track ! 
[King E. descends upon the stage, with his two-handed 

sword in one hand and his surtout upon his arm.] 

King R. If I get home, I 've some accounts to settle. 

Blond. I always thought you were a man of metal. 

King R. Did you not hear a noise ? 

Blond. When? 

King R, Now. 

Blond. Oh, no. 

King R. The Jailer sleeps there, in that room below, 
And just about this time he pokes his head 
Out of that little port-hole, painted red, 
To see if all is safe. 

Blond. I wish he 'd now 

Do us the favor, and you 'd see a row ! 
\^The slide of the port-hole is moved aside, and the Jailer 

protrudes his head. King E. cmd Blond, keep close 

to the wall.] 
Eichard ! have you forgot your swashing blow ? 

King R. I hope not ; but I really hardly know, — 



22 BLONDEL. \^Act I. 

I 've been long out of practice. 

\_As the Jailer turns Ids head, to look up at Richtird''s 
apartment, the King sweeps his two-handed sword 
through the air and brings it down upon the Jailer's 
nech, and thereby cuts off his head, which rolls upon 
the stage. "] 

He is sped ! 
Blond. It 's no great loss, to lose a wooden head ! 

[_^As King R. and Blond, are leaving, they are met by 
a Soldier. — Blond, hits him over the head with the 
broad end of his Guitar ; the Soldier's head proves to 
be harder than the Guitar, as it comes through. The 
Soldier appears astonished and frightened at this 
striking mark of Blondel's regard, and runs off 
with the rim of the Guitar hanging round his neck. 
King R. and Blondel make off in the opposite 
direction. Scene closes.'] 



SCENE III. 

Somewhere on the road from Vienna to Antwerp. — 
Thunder storm. 

Enter King Richard and Blondel, under the 
Umbrella. 

King R. " Was not that thunder ? " 

Blond. It seemed very like it. 

King It. We 've got the road, at last. 

Blond. I knew we 'd strike it. 



Scene 3.] blondel. 23 

Now, all we 've got to do is just to try 
And keep it. 

King JR. A' n't you most extremely dry, 
As well as wet ? 

Blond. I am. 

King R. And so am I. 

[Blondel produces a flash, from which they both take 

a refreshing draught.~\ 
I think that you 're a most considerate creature. 

Blond. If 't were not dark, a blush should paint each 
feature. 

King R. I think I '11 sing a song. 

Blond. "Well ; make it short, 

For standing in the rain here, a'n't much sport. 

SONG. 

Air — Oh, carry me back to old Virginny. 
King R. — 

If I should once get home again, I 'd lead a diiFerent life, 
I 'd go no more crusading, but I 'd take a little wife, — 
And hang my sword upon the wall, and would n't fight 

any more. 
Then carry me back to old Britannia, to old Britannia's 

shore. 

Blond. I would, with pleasure, could a cab be found. 
King R. You 'd find none, if you searched the coun- 
try round. 
Blond. We 've got to foot it, and to make the best of it. 
King R. I 've got another verse. 
Blond. Oh, sing the rest of it 

As we proceed. It 's foolish to wait here. 

King R. Well, on the whole, that is a good idea. 



24 BLONDEL. \^Act I. 

[ Oab drives on to the stage."] 
Cahhy. Fare, Sir ? 

Blond. No ; it 's anything but fair ! 

This is most fortunate, I must declare. 

Gabby. Gents. : Ride right up ! My cab is nice and 

large. 
King R. We want to go to Antwerp. What 's the 

charge ? 
Gdbhy. Well ; rainy, chilly night — say, two and six. 
King R. We '11 pay you double ! 

[ They get into the Cah.'] 
Blond. Drive, my lad, like bricks ! 

\_Cdb drives off. — King R. and Blondel strike up, 
" Oh, carry me back to old Britannia," &c.] 



SCENE IV. 

Interior of the *'JfatO-braken iS^llS," an obscure Inn, 
in Antwerp, where King R. and Blondel, under the 
assumed names of John Smith and John Brown, are 
waiting for an opportunity to escape to England. — 
The landlady, Frau Himmelmann, discovered at her 
desk, making up her accounts. 

Frau H. Now, ten and ten make twenty, — bless my 
stars ! — 
I have n't charged J. Smith for two cigars, — 
Nor Brown for that hot bath he had last night ; 
If I 'm not careful, my books wo n't be right. 
Smith 's a strange man, and has a voice like thunder ; 
He 's very handsome, too. Well, now I wonder 



Scene 4.] blondel. 25 

"Who he can be, and likewise who his young 
And gallant friend is, with his honeyed tongue. 
He 's quite a little dear, and talks divinely, 
And sings (oh ! bless his darling soul !) so finely ! 
But here comes Smith; I've almost half a mind 
To ask him for his story. 

Bnter King Richard. 

If you find 
Aught that's amiss, you've naught to do but speak. 

King R. I 'm quite well satisfied. I 've come to seek 
My young friend, Mr. Brown. 

Frau H. He left the Inn 

An hour since. 

King R. Indeed ! 

Frau H. (timidly.) If not a sin, 
I would observe, I think you seem distressed. 

(Pathetically.) 
It may be that you never have been blessed 
With woman's love ; and then again, mayhap 
You 've been supplanted by some other chap. 

(Inquiringly.) 
Perhaps you 've sinned, and suffered, — and if so, 
I pity you. 

King R. (aside.) I think I 'd better go ! 
(Aloud.) Madam, the interest you take in me, 
Flatters me much ! 

Frau H. Why, Mr. Smith ! — you see 

You 're just the image of the dear, good man 
I lost last Spring. 

King R. (aside.) I think I see her plan, — 
She 's anxious to repair that sad disaster, 
And wants to get another lord and master. 



26 BLONDEL. \^Act J. 

I '11 humor her ; I like a bit of fun. 

(Aloud, and in broken accents.) Mine's a sad story! 
I'rau H. I 'd give worlds to hear it. 

King E. Well, Madam, if you think that you can 
bear it. — 

[King R. takes a chair in each hand, and drags them 
down to the foot-lights, taking tivo strides at a time, in 
the true melo-dramatic manner ; and after motioning 
to the Landlady to he seated, takes a seat beside her. — 
The feelings of the Landlady appear to he getting 
rapidly ^'too mafiy" for her; she seems much flustered.'] 
Frau H. You may commence. 
King R. Then listen : It is now 

Some fifteen years since 

JEnter Blondel, hurriedly. 

Blond. Here 's a jolly row ! — 

You're traced to Antwerp. All about the town 
They 're sticking placards ! 

King R. We shall be done, Brown. 

Blond. As it is Carnival, we may escape. 
I 've masks and dominos, with hood and cape. 
\_They put on the masks and dominos. — Blondel throws 

his purse to the Landlady.] 
You '11 find therein enough to pay our bill ; 
We 've got a friend, who 's taken very ill, 
And we must visit him at once. 

Frau H. Oh, dear ! 

Can't I go? 

King R. It 's a thousand miles from here, 
But we '11 return, perhaps, sometime to-morrow. 

\_Exeunt King R. and Blond. 

Frau H. He 's gone ! nor told me his sad tale of 
sorrow. 



Scene 4] blondel. 27 

'T was so unfortunate his friend came in, 

As he was just a-going to begin ! 

How I 'd have sympathised with every grief ! — 

He would have felt it such a great relief, 

To have some tender bosom to confide 

His sufferings to ! I should n't have denied. 

If, in the energy of his discourse 

He 'd seized my hand, to give his words more force. 

Then he 'd have kissed it ! — Oh ! delicious thought ! 

For then I might have had him fairly caught. 

I may not have another chance again, — 

We can 't place much dependence on these men ! 

To lose this opportunity *s provoking ; 

I feel so queer, all over. — Oh ! I 'm choking ! 

I do so palpitate ! But by and by, 

I '11 feel much better — after a good cry. 



SONG. 

Air — Comin' thro' the Rye. 

When a body sees a body 
She would like to catch, 

'Cause a body thinks a body 
Quite a proper match ; 



And a body gets a body, 

With no person nigh, 
If a body lose a body. 

She 's a right to cry ! 

[_Exit, dissolved in tears, to very dolorous music. 



BLONDEL. {_Act I, 



SCENE V. 

A Street in Antwerp. — The Carnival at its height. — The 
Street crowded with Masquers, of every description. 
A Placard is affixed to the ivall, which runs (the Pla- 
card, not the wall) as follows : 

FIVE POUNDS REWARD ! 

" Whereas, an individual commonly called Richard I., 
King of England, has escaped from the Castle of Hage- 
nau, the above Reward will he paid to any one who will 
apprehend him. He is a tallish, middle-aged, heavy- 
featured hind of man, and is supposed to he lurking 
about Antwerp. 

"iV^. B. The Police must he prepared for him, as he 
will probably make a desperate resistance." 

King R. and Blondel enter, read the Placard, and 
then disappear among the Masquers. — Policemen are 
seen examining each one attentively. — Respectable eld- 
erly Quaker gentlernan, who is making a tour of the 
Continent, enters, with his Aunt on one arm and his 
eldest unmarried Sister on the other, to enjoy the scene. 
Blondel comes forward and beckons to a Policeman, 
who approaches. — Blondel puts the fore finger of 
his right hand on the right side of his nose, and makes 
a motion, with the thumb of his left hand, over his 
left shoulder. 

Blond. That is King Richard, in that Quaker guise ; 
I saw him once, and can 't mistake those eyes ! 

[^Policeman compares the Quaker gentleman with the des- 
cription in the Placard, and seems perfectly convinced 
of his identity ; then beckons to other Policemen. — 



Scene 5.] blondel. 29 

Thei/ walk quietly up behind the Quaker gentleman, and 
with one blow, on the top of his hat, " bonnet " him.-^ 
General row and confusion; Women scream and 
shriek, of course; Quaker gentleman is hustled off. 
Mob follow after the Police. King R. appears at the 
back of the stage, and comes down to Blondel.] 

King i?. You Ve put the hounds on a false scent, I see. 

Blond. And we 've no time to lose. Attend to me : 
I 've got a boat belayed to yonder pier, 
And we can reach it, now the coast is clear. 
The London steamboat leaves at four o'clock. 
And you and I will row round to her dock. 

King R. Escape looks sure. If we arrive at home, 
We shall astonish brother Johnny. 

Blond. Some. 

[^He shouts derisively after the Policemen^'] 
Good bye ! We 're sorry we can 't stop and dine ; 
We must improve the weather — it 's so fine. 

King R. Come on, and cease your never-ceasing gab ! 

Blond, (shouts.) Be gentle with the gentleman in drab ! 

{^Exeunt. 



END OP ACT FIRST. 



3* 



30 BLONDEL. [Act IL 

ACT II. 

SCENE I. 

Sherwood Forest. — The Foresters Qarousing. Robin 
Hood is seated upon a Dais. Time : the twentieth 
day of March, a.d. 1194. 

CHORUS OF FORESTERS. 

Air — The brave old Oak. 

Here 's to E. Hood ! to the brave R. Hood, 

Who has ruled in the green wood long ; 
There 's no country town but has heard the renown 

Of his bow and his arm so strong. 
His praise shall be sung, in every known tongue, 

By many as yet unborn ; 
And long flourish he, like a green bay tree, 

'Till a hundred years are gone. 

Rohin H. I think you make me out a good marauder, 
So, here 's your health ! Now, what is next in order ? 

Little J. Will Scarlet has a song, about the Friar. 

Rohin H. I did n't know he ever struck the lyre. 

Will S. Excuse me — really — now — it 's no such 
thing ; 
Besides — I 've got a cold, and cannot sing ! 

Little J. He 's modest ! — that 's all. 

Robin IT. We must have the song. 

Friar T. If it 's about me — go it ! pitch it strong ! 



Scene 1.] blondel. 31 

SONG. 

Am — The Monks of Old. 
Will Scarlet— 

Of all that 's been told, of the Monks of old, 

And what jolly boys were they ! 

There 's one we all know, who 's good with the bow, 

And lives in the present day ; 

He can sing and can laugh, 

And the brown ale can quaff, 

In a most inapproachable way. 

This clerical blade, 'neath the greenwood shade, 

Contented is prone to dwell ; 
P^or capital cheer awaits him, while here, 
That 's the only way he lives well. 
I think now you all can 
Put your hand on the man, 
So, 't were useless his name to tell. 

\_All have a laugh at the Friar.'] 

RoUn H. I think the Friar can 't complain you flatter. 
Friar T. Quite the reverse ! — That 's very slander- 
ous matter ! 

Enter a Forester, who has heen on guard. 

For. Captain ! two strangers bend their steps this way. 

Rohin H. What are they ? 

For. As to that, I cannot say ; 

They 're clad in dominos, and masked besides. 

Rohin H. Perhaps they 're sent by John ; now woe 
betides 
All those who venture in thi« wood as spies ! 
Go, meet them ; if they give not fair replies, 



32 BLONDEL. \^Act IL 

Just send a clotli-yard shaft right through 
Each domino. 

For. With pleasure that I '11 do. 

Rohin H. No ; do it with your bow. \_Exit For. 

Now, recollect, 
To treat our visitors with due respect. 

Re-enter Forester. 
For, Here are the stranger men, of whom I spoke. 

Enter King R. and Blondel. The King approaches 
Robin Hood. — Blondel remains at the side. 

Rohin H. "We 're pleased to see you ; throw aside 
your cloak. 

King R. I thank you, no. Are you bold Robin Hood, 
Of whom I've heard — the Ranger of this wood? 

Rohin If. l^m. he, and at your service. I live here, 
With these few friends, and try to keep the deer 
In first-rate order. 

Xing R. I have lost my way, 

And think I '11 stop and dine with you, to-day. 

\_The Friar, ivho, on account of his devotion to the ale 
jugs, has hegun to feel like hitting somehody^ approaches 
the King- and gives him a hearty slap on the shoulder."] 

Friar T. Bravo ! old Cock ! 

[ The King, upon receiving this salutation, hits out loith 
his left hand, and knocks the Friar seventeen rods, hy 
actual tneasurement.] 

Rohin H. (starts up.) There 's but one living man 
can strike like that ! 



Scene 1.] blondel* 33 

King R. You say there is but one, and that is — who ? 

Rohin H. Richard, the King of England ! 

King R. (throws off his mask and domino.) Sir, to you ! 

Rohin H, (to Foresters.) Down on your marrow- 
bones, before this stranger ! — 
He is the King can hang you all ! 

King R. No danger. 

Rohin H. (comes down from his seat.) I abdicate. 
You '11 please to take the chair. 

King R. And then my friend and I will try your fare. 

\_He ascends the dais. — Blondel comes forward and 
throws off his iiiask and domino.~\ 

Behold the youth who found me in distress ! 
I owe him more than I can well express. 

[7%e Foresters crowd around Blondel and congratu- 
late him."] 

Rohin H, We 've long known Blondel as a gallant 
blade, 
And as the lover of a pretty maid 
That we protect. 

King R. So, then he 's caught, at last ! 

I only hope the girl will hold him fast. 
He 's a sad flirt ! 

Blond, (approaches the King.) A word for these 
brave men : 
They 've stole your deer ; they wo n't do so again ; 
They 're friends of yours — you '11 pardon them, I know. 

King R. If they are not my friends, I '11 make them so. 
(To Robin H.) I '11 give you a position near the throne, 
If you '11 consent to leave my game alone. 



34 BLONDEL. \^Act II. 

Have done with hunting, let the wild deer run, 
And I '11 make you the Earl of Huntingdon ! 

Rohin H. I will accept the offer — not the pun. 

King JR. And these brave men shall form a royal band 
Of Archers. 

All. Round old England's throne we '11 stand ! 

King R. Wait 'till I get it ; John may make resist- 
ance. 

All. We will assist you. 

King R. I may need assistance. 

SONG. 

Air — Dance, Boatmen, dance. 
Blond. — 

Now, let us drink, and let us sing, — 

I 'm pleased, for I 've brought back the King ; 

And the pretty girl I love much more than life, 

Shall soon be made my own dear wife. 

( Chorus.) Drink ! ye outlaws, drink ! Drink ! ye out- 
laws, drink ! 
You can drink all night, 'till broad day light, 
And yet feel no worse in the morning. 

Rohin H. I would observe, that you 've no time to 
spare, 
As your arrival may get blown. 

King R. Prepare 

To start at once. I wished to try your fare, 
But if I 'm forced to strike a kingly blow, 
I '11 do it before dining. Let us go ! 

All. With you, King Eichard, we will stand or fall ! 

King R. We '11 dine at Windsor, or not dine at all ! 



Scene 2.] blondel. 35 

Blondel ! you wish to see lier, I opine. 

Blond. You 're not wrong there ! 

King R. Then go ! — but come and dine 

With us at seven, — sharp. Make no delay ; 

Tell her that all is well, and by the way, 

Bring her along, if she wo n't feel affrighted, 
At dining with her King. 

Blond. She 'd be delighted ! \_Exit. 

CHORUS OF FORESTERS. 

Air — 7'?n Afloat! Fm Afloat! 

Let us go, let us go ! with our bows tough and tried, 
To fight for the King, who is chivalry's pride. 
He 's returned, and once more England's ruler shall be. 
Let us go, let us go ! for the hero is free ! 

[^Scene closes. 



SCENE II. 

Interior of the "Jolly Mermaid.'^ 

Enter Marian. 

Mar. It 's very dull, since Blondel went away ; 
I trust I '11 see him by the first of May. 
It 's six long weeks 'till then. I can 't refrain, 
Sometimes, from thinking — will he come again ? 
And if he comes, will he be just the same 
Kind, loving Blondel ? 

Enter Blondel. 

Blond. Did I hear my name ? 

Mar, Speak ! Is it you ? — because now, if it a'n't, 
I '11 go right oflt" at once in a dead faint ! 



36 BLONDEL. \^Act IT, 

Blond. It is myself, I think — but, faint away ! 
You know the remedy I tried one day. 

Mar. Now, that 's unkind ; but I 'm so very glad 
To see you, that I feel a little sad. 

Blond. And I 'm so happy to be with my dear, 
That I confess I feel a little queer ! 

Mar. You 've found the King — I see it in your eye. 

Blond. I '11 tell you all about it, by and by. 

Mar. Where 's your guitar ? 

Blond. I left its remnant hanging 

Around a soldier's neck. You see, the banging 
I gave him rather injured the guitar. 

Mar. You made it, then, an instrument of war ! 

Blond. I did. But now I want to ask one question. 

Mar. Do you, indeed ! — Then I '11 make one sug- 
gestion. 

Blond. What is it ? 

Mar, Put the question in a song. 

Blond. I will ; then I can come it twice as strong ! 

SONG. 

Air — When other lips and other hearts. 

When other men, with specious arts, 

To gain your love have tried, 
In language that wins maidens' hearts. 

If skilfully applied, — 
When their intentions wore no ^nask 

Through which you could not see, 
In such a moment, let me ask — 

Did you remember me ? 

Mar. Did I? Oh, did n't I? The whole world knows 
A girl with my attractions must have beaux ! 



Scene 2.] blondel. 37 

Blond. Ahem! 

Mar. They served to wile the time away, 

And so I heard what each flat had to say ; 
But not a single one of them could drive 
Your image from my heart. 

Blond. No man alive 

Is half as happy as I am, to-day ! 
But go at once, put on your best array, 
I promised Richard that we 'd come and dine 
"With him, at Windsor. 

Mar. Now, wo n't that be fine ! 

Blond. I '11 to the stable ; if I find a horse 

Mar. What will you do ? 

Blond. I '11 harness him, of course. 

3Iar. To what ? 

Blond. Your low-backed car. But, go ; make haste ! 
They dine at seven ; we 've no time to waste, — 
And in five minutes I '11 be at your door. 

Mar. Will you, indeed ! — Then I '11 be there in four. 
\_Exit Blondel. — Marian goes into her room. 

The window opens, and two Ruffians enter thereby. 

\st Ruf. I say. Bill — a' n't this 'ere a dirty job ? 

2c? Ruf. In course it is ; and we get well paid, Bob. 

\st Ruf. You said you 'd tell me what the orders were 
That Prince John gave you. 

2d Ruf Well, I '11 do that, Sir. 

They were to take his sky-blue coach and four, 
And not to stop 'till we had reached this door ; 
Then we 're to seize this well known maid by force. 
And drive her 

\st Ruf Where ? 

2d Ruf ' To Windsor, Bob, of course. 



38; BLONDEL. [^Act IL 

l5^ i??{/*. A shabby trick ! Let's don't. 

^d Ruf, You spooney, you ! 

Do n't we get twenty pounds ? 

\st Ruf. Well, so we do, — 

That makes a difference. 

2c? Ruf. Some will play the villain 

For twenty pounds, who would n't for a shillin'. 

\st Ruf. A scoundrel's conscience should n't be too nice. 

'2d Ruf. It 's not the crime we stick at, but the price ! 
I think I hear a footstep come this way. 

\st Ruf. Let's hide and watch. 

\_The Ruffians secrete themselves. 

Re-enter Marian, putting on her Gloves. 

Mar. Now, all seems bright and gay ! 

My lover has returned, and means to stay ; 
He '11 ask me soon to name the wedding-day, 
And when he does, I know what I shall say ! 
I '11 blush, and stammer out — the first of May ! 

\_The Ruffians discover themselves.'] 

1st Ruf. I say, my little Miss, you must excuse 
Our bluntness, but you see you can 't refuse 
To go with us. We 've got outside the door — 
To take you handsomely — a coach and four. 

Mar. No! you vile wretches! (Aside.) Oh! I'm 
getting scared ! [ They seize her. 

Blondel ? Help ! help ! Let go ! You 're two great, bad, 
Ill-looking scoundrels ! Blondel ? 

2c? Ruf. 'T a'n't no use ; 

We 're paid to take you. — That 's our sole excuse. 

[Marian is home off, struggling. — A cracking of whips 
and rumbling of wheels are heard outside.'] 



Scene 2.] blondel. 39 

Re-enter Blondel. 

Blond, Well, she 's not ready, yet. Now, I can't think 
Why women will take such a time to prink ! 
It 's stupid, waiting here. I think I might 
Light a cigar. \_Lights a cigar and commences smoking. 

I may stay here all night. 
I must say, this will soon become no joke ! 
I can 't let this affair end now in smoke. 

[ Gets very impatient.'] 

Marian ? Come forth, in all your rich attire ; 
The soup will get quite cold ; and if the fire 
Is very warm, you '11 find the leg of mutton 
Quite over-done. Well, she do n't care a button 
For anything but me. [ Gets more impatient. 

I can 't stand this ! 

[ Goes to Marian's door and hiochs.'] 

Marian ? ... No answer. What has gone amiss ? 

[ Opens the door."] 

There 's no one here ! Why, what can all this mean ? 

Enter a Forester. 

Speak ! Forester, and tell me if you 've seen 
The maid, — for I've been waiting for her here. 
She 's no where to be found. 

For. That 's very queer ! 

I think it must have been the maid I saw 
Pass me, like lightning, in a coach and four. 

Blond. AVhat can it mean ? My brain is in a maze ! 
Four horses, say you ? 

For. Yes ; four spanking bays. 



40 BLONDEL. [_Act IL 

Blond. Has Robin gone ? 

For. Yes. 

Blond. Then, what do you here ? 

For. I left the band to get a mug of beer. 

Blond. We '11 tarry not. Come on, my friend ; let 's 
travel. 
Here is some mystery I can 't unravel ; 
But I will find my sweetheart ere the night, 
Or, by her own sweet eyes, I '11 have a fight ! 

\_Exeunt. 



SCENE III. 

An Apartment in Wmdsor Castle. — Prince John 
entertaining a party of a few select friends. — One 
seat upon his right is vacant. — Be has the royal 
Crown on. 

CHORUS OF PRINCE JOHN'S FRIENDS. 

Air — Camptown Races. 

At Windsor we all sing this song, 

Du-dar! du-dar! 

At Windsor we all go it strong, 

Du-dar ! du dar-da ! 

We 're bound to drink all night. 

We 're bound to sleep all day. 

We bet our money on the rattling dice, 

And if we lose, do n't pay. 

1st Friend. Come, Prince, you know you promised, 
long ago, 
You'd tell us all. 

Prince J. Well ! 

1st Fr. Now, we want to know 



Scene 3.] blondel. 41 

For whom that seat 's reserved ? Do n't be afraid. 
Prince J. I '11 tell you. 
1st Fr. Who? 

Prince J. The " Jolly Mermaid's " maid. 

1st Fr. I thought that Richard's Minstrel was her 

lover. 
Prince J. I care not. 'T is for her they 've placed 

that cover. 
1st Fr. How does she come here? — By foul means, 

or fair ? 
Prince J. All stratagems are fair, in love and war. 
I 've bribed two ruffians to go and take her. 
1st Fr. But she do n't fancy you. 
Prince J. I mean to make her ! 

\_The door is opened, and Marian is pushed into the 
Poom. — All rise from the table.'] 

But here 's the little charmer ! Gentle Miss, 
Behold one who adores you ! 

Mar. What means this ? 

Why am I brought here ? 

Prince J. Why ? To dine with us. 

Mar. I 'd starve first 1 — There ! 

Prince J. Now, do n't kick up a muss. 

Mar. Open these doors ! I tell you, I '11 not stay ! 

Prince J. But just suppose that you can 't get away ! 

Mar. You doubtless think that I 'm a friendless girl. 
When Robin Hood hears this 

Prince J. The outlawed churl ! 

Ma7\ He 's a true man, who 'd scorn a princely act 
Like this of yours ! 

1st Fr. That is an awkward fact ! 

4* 



42 BLONDEL. [^Act II. 

Prince J. You '11 change your mind, ere long, I think, 

my dear ; 
We 're sorry that you wo n't partake our cheer. 

Is^ Fr. Leave her awhile, Prince John, she '11 soon 

stop whining. 
Prince J. That 's good advice ; so, let 's proceed with 

dining. 

\_They resume their seats at the table. — Maeian takes a 
seat at the other side of the Room, and looks at her 
watch.'] 

Mar. (aside.) 'Tis nearly seven; I don't feel af- 
frighted — 
They '11 soon have visitors who 're not invited ! 

Prince J. How fortunate that naught 's been heard 
of Dick, 
Since he fought Saladin — that fire brick. 

Is^ Fr. Yes ; and we hope to Windsor he '11 ne'er come. 

Prince J. While he 's away, I 'm somebody, at home. 

Mar. (aside.) The rascal sets himself a trifle high ; 
He little dreams his downfall is so nigh ! 

1st Fr. Perhaps he is n't killed, but only made 
A prisoner. I sometimes feel afraid 
He may turn up. 

Prince J. Do n't talk that foolish way ! 

Let 's hope for better luck. I want to stay 
Upon his throne ; for, if he should return, 
I 'd have to put for foreign parts, and earn 
My living, somehow. 

Mar. (aside.) In a tread-mill, say ! 
He 's hardly fit for that, though, by the way. 

Prince J. Pass the decanter. Fill; I'll give a toast. 

\st Fr. Fill up, boys ; do n't you hear our royal host ? 



Scene 3.] blondel. 43 

Prince J. Here 's to King Richard ! — May lie ne'er 

appear, 

To interrupt my rule. 

• 
Enter a Penny-Postman. 

But who comes here ? 

Penny-Post. Now, which of you ? — Oh, you 're the 

chap, I guess, — 

You fellow with a crown and tip-top dress. 

Here is a note, that came from France, to-day, 

Directed to Prince John. 

Prince J. Well, what 's to pay ? 

P. P. Sixpence ; but real slap-up gents, pays double. 

Prince J. Well, there 's a shilling ; (gives it to him.) 

take it for your trouble ; 

I always thought the Postmen underpaid. 

P. P. I '11 go at once, and drink success to trade. 

lExit. 

Prince J. Look to the maid, that she do n't get away. 

Mar. (aside.) It's seven, now! (Aloud.) Prince 

John, I mean to stay. 

Prince J. I thought that you 'd come round, sometime 

to-day. 

\_Reads the note ; appears much agitated.'] 

1st Fr. Speak ! most illustrious ! What 's it all about ? 

Prince J. (reads.) ^^ Friend John : The Devil is broke 

loose ! Look out 1 " 

'T is signed by my friend Philip, King of France ; 

And if it 's true, I think we '11 have to dance ! 

Enter Attendant^ hurriedly. 

Attend. The Castle seems surrounded ! I have seen 
Huge swarms of men, all clad in Lincoln green. 
Forcing the gates ! \_A great noise is heard without. 



44 BLONDEL. [^Act IL 

1st Fr. They 're Sherwood Archers keen ! 

Mar. Hurrah ! hurrah ! Your reign is o'er, I ween. 

Prince J. Hang out my banner ! 

Attend. , Prince, you have n't one. 

Prince J. Well, then, do n't hang it out. 

Mar. You '11 soon be done ! 

Prince J. Strike all the bells ! 

Attend. They 're guarded by the bows. 

Prince J. Call out my guard ! 

Attend. They 've gone o'er to the foes ! 

Prince J. You 're the sole faithful one, by your own 
showing. 

Attend. No ; not at all. 

Prince J. Why not ? 

Attend. Because I 'm going ! 

I saw a form, amid the assailing band. 
Towering aloft — serene, superb, and grand! 
'Twas Richard's self ; and now you'll find that none, 
Since he 's returned, will care for brother John. \_Exit. 

Mar. Now, very soon the difference you '11 see, 
There is, 'twixt tweedle-dum and tweedle-dee ! 

[Prince J. appears stupijied, and seems to lose *what 
he called, his mind. — His friends, who have been ban- 
queting at his expense, make signs to each other that it 
would be advisable to leave ; and accordingly they 
" exeunt,'^ by different " exits'^ Prince J. looks after 
his retreating friends, and evidently fancies himself 
King Darius, as he exclaims : 

^'■Deserted at Ms utmost need, 
By those his former bounty fed^'' 

Suddenly conceiving himself to be Macbeth, he seizes 
a knife and dish cover, from the table, and strikes an 
attitude of defence, exclaiming at the same time : 



Scene 3.] blondel. 45 

^'•Before my breast I throw my ivarlihe shield^ 

Still fancying himself 3Iacheth, he seizes the table cloth, 
wraps it around him, and shouts vociferously : 

^'■Bloio wind, come torack, — 
At least we^ll die with harness on our bacJcF 

He then labors under the hallucination that he is Car- 
dinal Wolsey, and says to Marian, in a most impressive 
manner : 

'■^CromiceU, I charge thee, fling away ambition; 
By that sin fell the angels ; how can man then^'' — 

Mar. He ca n't ! And when again you wish to reign, 
Be sure the King is dead. 

Prince J. (sinks into a chair.) I 'm done ! That 's 
plain. 

[^Tlie row and noise that has been going on outside, now 
increases rapidly. — Prince J. starts up.'] 

I 'm not caught, yet ; I know a secret door, — 
It 's strange I never thought of that before ! 
\_Feels along the wall.] 

This is the spring ; now, if the coast is clear 

[^Presses the spring ; secret door opens, and a Forester 

steps out. 

For. You 're a bad sovereign, and ca n't pass here ! 

Enter King Richard, Robin Hood, and the For- 
esters, on all sides. — Marian rushes to Robin H. — 
Two Foresters collar Prince J. at once.] 

King R. I '11 trouble you to render up that crown ! 
[Prince J. takes off the royal crown and hands it to 
King R., loho puts it on.] 



46 BLONDEL. [^Acf 11. 

Prince J. I 've got to give it up and lay it down. 

Robin H. Now tell me, Marian, how came you here ? 

Mar. How ? In a coach and four. 

Robin H. That 's very queer ! 

Mar. The Prince desired me to come and dine, 
Whether I would or no. 'T was very fine, 
The way he managed it. He sent two stout, 
Ill-looking knaves, who seized and dragged me out, 
When I was waiting in the " Mermaid " bar 
For Blondel, to drive up the low-backed car. 

Robin H. You've not been frightened? 

Mar. No, not much ; but some ; 

I must say, that I 'm very glad you 've come. 

King R. Such conduct brings Kings' into disrepute. 
How shall we serve him ? 

Will S. I 'd suojojest a suit 

Of tar and feathers. 

Robin If. If he 's left to me, 

I '11 have him tied up to the nearest tree, 
And let my men put fifty arrows through him. 
They '11 bring a sense of his vile conduct to him ; 
Then, if he thinks it worth his while to live, 
His friends can take and use him as a sieve ! 

Little J. Cut off his head, at once. 

Robin H. That he 'd not miss ! 

\_O71e of the Foresters, who has Prince J. in charge, 

pulls the Prince's long moustache, and says to King :] 

For. 'T would grieve him more, I think, to cut off this. 

Prince J. Oh, take my head, for I 've no place to put it, 
But my superb moustache — I pray, do n't cut it ! 

King R. That settles us. Go, get a pair of shears. 

31ar. Here are my scissors ! [ One of the Foresters 
takes them, and cuts 0^ Prince J.'s moustache.'] 

For. Shall I take his ears ? 



Scene 3.] blondel. 47 

King R. No, that'll do. \_To Prince J.] Now, just 
make tracks from here ! 
"We give you twenty minutes to get clear 
From our domain ; and if you 're ever found 
Intruding on this honest English ground, 
I '11 give you to these Archers for a target. 

Robin H. He knows us well; I think he'll just as 
far get 
From us as possible. 

King R, (ironically to the Foresters.) You '11 not assist 
The Prince, in going hence. 

All. We can 't resist I 

[^The door is opened, and the velocity of Prince J.'s 
exit is somewhat increased, by the Foresters.'] 

Robin H. The atmosphere seems purer, now he 's gone. 
King R. It does indeed ; and so let 's take a horn I 
[King R. and Robin H. pledge each other.'] 

Enter Blondel, hurriedly. 

Blond. Oh, tell me, have you seen the maid I love ? 

Mar. Here 's one you 've often told so. 

Blond, (embracing her.) Now, thank Jove ! 

Why did you leave me in the lui'ch, you sinner ? 

Mar. It 's a long tale ; I '11 tell you after dinner. 
Present me to the King. 

Blond, (leads her up to the King.) Your Royal High- 
ness ! — 
My wife that is to be ! [King R. bows ; Mar. curtsies. 

Excuse her shyness ; 
She 's unaccustomed to the ways of Court. 
"^One from the country " was preferred, in short. 



48 BLONDEL. \^Act II, 

King R, (to Mak.) I know him well, and do n't know 
such another. 

Robin H. And I know her ; the j both deserve each other. 

Blond. They're piling on the compliments. My girl, 
Bow to your Uncle Kobin ! — he 's an Earl. 

Mar. Robin an Earl ? Oh, my ! And what are you ? 

Blond. He is Lord Huntingdon ; I'm Lord knows who. 

King R. {to Mar.) I '11 make him anything you '11 
please to say. 

Mar. Make him my husband, on the first of May ! 

King R. I will, and also give the bride away. 

Mar. As simple Blondel he first won my heart. 
As Blondel let him keep it. 

King R. For my part, 

I can 't object ; so, be it as you choose. 

Blond. The only title that I '11 not refuse, 
Is Lord of — her affections. 

Rohin H. Now, I think, 

Since all 's arranged, that we should fill and drink 
Long life and happiness to this young pair ! 

King R. One brave and loyal ! 

Rohin H, And one good and fair ! 

SONG. 

Air — Fill, Jill the sparlding brimmer. 
Blond. — 

Fill ! let it be a brimmer ; 

Fill ! for we 're very dry ; 
Of joy we have more than a glimmer, 

And no clouds can be seen in the sky. 
Fill ! for great Richard's flag is up, 

And floats o'er his native land ; 
With zest let us pledge a sparkling cup, 

To the King and his Archer band ! 

[^They all drink. 



Scene 3.] blondel. 49 

RoUn H. Those who rebel, henceforth, will find they 
make 
" A very great error, and no mistake ! " 

Mar, (to Blond.) Did you observe that joke ? — 
't was rather good. 

Blond, It a'n't his own, though. 

Mar. No ? 

Blond. He 's robbin' Hood ! 

King R. My friends — the banquet must be now 
prepared ; 
I 'd not enjoy it, if it were not shared 
With all of you. Young Blondel, lead the way ; 
1 11 give maid Marian my arm. But stay ! — 
Before we leave, I think you 'd better say 
A word to these. [^Points to the audience.'] 

[Blondel comes down to the foot-lights.'] 

Blond. I hope you like this Play ! 

It 's finished, now ; and when that heavy green 
Baize curtain drops, and shuts you from this scene. 
We to no royal banquet go, but merely 
To change our dresses. 

Mar. That sounds very queerly, 

But still it 's true ! We have but played a part. 
And let us hope we 've soothed some aching heart. 
Beguiled you of your smiles ; and if you thought. 
That though all seemed frivolity and sport. 
We meant still to impress upon the mind 
That Loyalty and Truth rewards will find ; 
And Villainy as certainly obtain 
Due punishment ; that Honor 's in the main 
The wisest course ; then I make bold to say 
Not unsuccessful is our little Play. 
5 



5G BLONDEL. lAct II. 

SONG. 

Air — Ml the blue Bonnets are over the Border. 

\_To the Performers.'] 

Sing ! sing ! each mother's son of you ! 

Sing ! if your voices are all in good order. 
Sing ! sing ! now, every one of you ! — 

The King and the Minstrel, and each brave marauder. 

Sing for the friends who 've come. 

Leaving each pleasant home, 
Merely to witness this Extravagancy. 

If you do n't plead in vain, 

They will all come again, 
When we play " Blondel : a Historic Fancy." 

( Chorus.) We '11 sing ! — each mother's son of us ; 

Our voices, we find, are in excellent order 
We '11 sing, now every one of us — 
The King and the Minstrel, and each brave 
marauder. 

[ To the Audience.'] 

Come to this house, where we 're pleased to receive you, 
Each night — when you 've finished your toast and 
your tea — 
We '11 always delight, and we '11 never deceive you. 
Come ! Will you — wo n't you come — here to gee me? 
In smiles I '11 be drest for you. 
And acting my best for you. 
We '11 cure you of spleen — that unpleasant disorder ; 
And when I have made you gay, 
Do laugh, and sincerely say: 
" That girl is a charmer ! — I think I '11 applaud her ! " 



Scene 3.] blondel. 51 

( Chorus.) We '11 sing ! — each mother's son of us ; 

Our voices, we find, are in excellent order. 
We '11 sing now, every one of us — 

The King and the Minstrel, and each brave 
marauder. 

\^Ourtain falls. 



Note. In printing tliis Play, a line has been accidentally left out, in one 
place, and three-fifths of a line in another; but the Writer leaves it to his 
readers to discover the omissions, and to supply them. 



THE END. 



(jlL^-^-cC^ l/,l-^^ fay. foL 

BLONDEL:^,/^ 

A HISTORIC FANCY. 

IN TWO ACTS. 



B Y 

GEO. EDWARD RICE, 

AvxeoR OF "ak old play in a new garb," "myetilla," etc., etc. 



Good Sir, reject it not, altliougli it briny 
Appearances of some fantastic thing 
At first unfolding. 

George Wither. 

If thou be a severe, sour complexioned man, then I here disallow thee to be 
a competent judge. 

IZAAK Walton. 

Mj* words, idle as tliou ma^'st deem them, will never stupefy the intellect, 
nor harden the heart, nor besot the conscience like an opiate drug. 

Robert Socthky. 



BOSTON: 

TICKNOR, REED & FIELDS 

M DCCC LIV. 
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